Latest news with #AppleHomeKit
CNET
4 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Smarten Up Your Home Security With Up to 28% Off Ultraloq Smart Locks Today
Whether you're new to the world of smart homes or are looking to expand an existing setup, the humble smart lock shouldn't be overlooked. It can make it easier to enter and leave your home, and you can often quickly give others access without giving them a physical key. And right now, you can pick up a few different Ultraloq smart locks with discounts of up to 28% off. Ultraloq makes some of our favorite smart locks, so the chance to save money on one of its products is always welcome. The company has chosen to extend its Prime Day sale to give you more time to pick up a bargain, but these prices won't be here for long. The biggest discount can be found on the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint smart lock, a smart lock that works with Apple's HomeKit system as well as those from Google and Amazon. It offers app control as well as a fingerprint sensor, so you have options in terms of how you unlock your door. A handy keypad is also available, so you can set a code if you prefer. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint smart lock would normally sell for around $250, but this deal slashes that to just $180 for a limited time. Alternatively, the U-Bolt Pro is actually our favorite model and comes with similar features but lacks HomeKit support. It's yours for just $170, down from $230, if you're quick. Why this deal matters Smart locks not only look cool but can make your home more secure while still giving access to the people who need it. With a variety of different authentication options, Ultraloq's smart locks are flexible and, at these prices, well worth checking out.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
This Smart Doorbell Camera Is on Sale for $130 Right Now
Secure your home and capture everything that goes on outside of your door in high-definition video with the Aqara Smart Doorbell G410 Camera. As Amazon Prime Day deals wrap up, you can still grab this camera for just $130. This smart doorbell camera is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home Assistant, making it a perfect addition to your home. You can also elevate your smart home set up since this doorbell has built-in smart home compatibility, which allows you to connect and manage other smart devices nearby. When it comes to the color, you can only choose between gray or black, both of which are priced the same. This doorbell camera records footage in 2K Ultra HD and comes with encrypted cloud storage that secures your recordings. It's important to note that if you use Apple HomeKit, the camera's resolution might be minimized to 1,600x1,200. Read more: Best Video Doorbells of 2025 This model also has a loud built-in chime that provides alerts for your home. This doorbell camera can support either a 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi band. Another cool perk about this device is that it includes local face recognition software and even enables custom actions. For example, you can associate different chime signals for certain family members or turn on lights when someone arrives. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This smart doorbell camera offers a slew of security benefits, allowing you to secure your home the right way. It comes with a voice changer and privacy masking software, allowing you to protect your identity when speaking to strangers outside your home. This technology can also block out sensitive areas in your home by using the Aqara Home app. Your recordings are safely encrypted into cloud storage, but you can use an external microSD card for backup. Why this deal matters By grabbing this deal you can save $10 off this purchase. Many smart home devices are usually on the pricier end, so having a deal that can save you money is a plus. Amazon Prime Day deals are constantly changing, so we don't know how long this deal will be available for. That said, you'll want to snag this deal before it's gone.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
This Smart Doorbell Camera Is on Sale Now for Less Than $200, Grab It Before It's Gone
Secure your home and capture everything in high-definition video with the Aqara Smart Doorbell G410 Camera. As Amazon Prime Day deals wrap up, you can still grab this camera now for just $130, saving $10 off your purchase. This smart doorbell camera is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home Assistant, making it a perfect addition to your home. In addition, you can elevate your smart home set up as this doorbell has built-in technology, allowing you to connect and manage other smart devices nearby. There are only two colors to choose from: gray or black, both of which are priced the same. This doorbell camera records footage in 2K Ultra HD and comes with encrypted cloud storage that secures your recordings. It's important to note that if you use Apple HomeKit, the camera's resolution might be minimized to 1,600x1,200. Read more: Best Video Doorbells of 2025 This model also has a loud built-in chime that provides alerts for your home. This doorbell camera can support either a 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi band. Another cool perk about this device is that it includes local face recognition software and even enables custom actions. For example, you can associate different chime signals for certain family members or turn on lights when someone arrives. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This smart doorbell camera offers a slew of security benefits, allowing you to secure your home the right way. It comes with a voice changer and privacy masking software, allowing you to protect your identity when speaking to strangers outside your home. This technology can also block out sensitive areas in your home by using the Aqara Home app. Your recordings are safely encrypted into cloud storage, but you may use an external microSD card for backup. Why this deal matters By grabbing this deal you can save $10 off this purchase. Many smart home devices are usually on the pricier end, so having a deal that can save you money is a plus. Amazon Prime Day deals are constantly changing, so we don't know how long this deal will be available for. That said, grab it now before it's gone.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Forbes
Apple Warns Users To Upgrade Now To Avoid Smart Home Problems
Apple HomeKit system If you've been dragging your feet about upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture, Apple may be about to give you a firm shove. First introduced back in 2022 as part of iOS 16.2, Apple's revamped HomeKit framework promised a more stable smart home setup, especially for larger systems filled with multiple Matter or HomeKit accessories. But thanks to some early teething problems (think vanishing devices, broken video feeds, failed invites and more), Apple quickly pulled the update before re-releasing it a few months later with iOS 16.4. Since then, the upgrade's been entirely optional but that grace period is now coming to an end. Apple is telling users that the old HomeKit architecture will soon stop working entirely and, crucially, some users will be upgraded automatically. In the latest 18.6 beta, the guys at MacRumours noticed a message warning: 'Support for your current version of Apple Home will end this fall. Some homes will be automatically updated at that time, but others need to be updated manually. You can update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories, automations, and critical alerts.' In other words, if you're still running the old setup, your time is officially running out. Apple hasn't explained who gets auto-upgraded and who doesn't, but if your iOS devices are all running newer software and auto-updates are enabled, there's a good chance you're already on the new architecture and don't even know it. Still, if you want to double-check (or avoid a forced upgrade that could potentially botch your carefully crafted scenes and automations), head to the Home app > More > Home Settings > Software Update. The updated HomeKit framework is a foundational change, and it doesn't play nicely with older OS versions so older iPads or Macs that aren't running iOS 16 or macOS Sonoma may lose access entirely this fall. That could be a problem if you're using, say, an old iPad as a wall-mounted controller or Home hub.
Mint
01-07-2025
- Mint
How to: Set up a unified smart home ecosystem with devices that matter
Creating a smart home in 2025 is about making devices work together in a seamless, efficient system. A unified ecosystem lets you control everything from lights and thermostats to cameras and speakers in one place. The key lies in picking the right platform, the right devices, and setting it all up thoughtfully. Start by choosing a platform that fits your lifestyle: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or a Matter-enabled system. This will act as your control centre, linking everything together. Pick one early to avoid compatibility headaches later. Matter has emerged as the go-to universal standard in 2025, allowing devices from different brands to work together without a hitch. Look for Matter support when buying new devices to ensure smoother setup and better future compatibility. Avoid platforms that are locked into a narrow range of supported products. Don't fall for gimmicks. Focus on devices that improve daily living. Smart lighting (Zigbee or Z-Wave compatible), motion-sensing switches, thermostats, security cameras, and smart speakers should form your foundation. Choose devices that integrate with your selected platform or support Matter for guaranteed cross-brand compatibility. Modular and upgradeable devices are a smart investment. They can adapt as your needs change without needing a full system overhaul. A reliable network is the backbone of any smart home. Prioritize wired connections (Cat6 Ethernet) for stationary, bandwidth-heavy devices like security hubs or video doorbells. Supplement with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers to cover dead zones and ensure stable wireless performance. Consider isolating your smart home devices on a separate Wi-Fi network or VLAN. This boosts both performance and security. For installations involving electrical work like wired switches or thermostats, professional help is highly recommended. Link each device via its app or QR code and assign names that make sense—like 'Bedroom Light' instead of 'Device_X9F3.' Use your platform's automation tools to create routines triggered by time, location, or motion. Keep everything updated. Firmware updates bring new features and fix bugs. Check sensors, battery levels, and connectivity every few weeks. If problems persist, restart your devices or router and reach out to support when needed. A smart home that works well isn't built overnight. It needs careful planning, the right gear, and regular upkeep. Get the basics right, and you'll have a system that simplifies life, saves energy, and stays relevant for years.
